Walters turns down Mercer, stays with FAU

BOCA RATON — After three days considering the offer, Florida Atlantic coach Rex Walters said no to Mercer on Wednesday and will remain with the Owls.

"I was flattered by their interest and wish them the best," said Walters, "but I feel I am in a very good spot now."

Walters, 38, has coached two seasons at FAU after taking over for Matt Doherty in 2006, and has two years left on his contract.

"I apologize for taking so long," said Walters. "They gave me three days' pause with their offer."

Mercer is a private college with an enrollment of 2,600 located in Macon, Ga., and is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, which FAU left for the Sun Belt in 2006.

"Mercer pursued him and made him an attractive offer, but at the end of the day his desire to stay with his team and this university won out and we are happy for that," FAU Athletic Director Craig Angelos said.

Walters met with his players Wednesday to deliver the news.

"They are very confused," Walters said. "I understand that. I told them I am staying and the goal is to play in big time games and win them."

After Walters turned down the offer, the Bears hired Bob Hoffman, a former assistant at Oklahoma and current coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA's Developmental League.

Hoffman replaces Mark Slonaker, who was fired after 11 seasons at Mercer.

Walters was the second coach to turn down Mercer, following former Missouri State coach Barry Hinson.